• 42 million women in India are burdened with Endometriosis
• EndoRun comes to Pune in association with the Adar Poonawalla Clean Initiative, Dakshama Health Association and Paree Sanitary Napkins

PUNE, 26^th MARCH, 2023, (GPN): In observance of Endometriosis Awareness Month, Patient Academy for Innovation and Research with support from BAYER completed the second leg of the first ever EndoRun in Pune, today. The EndoRun is a mass awareness initiative that bring together survivors and their families, healthcare providers, researchers, and advocates, to march for a shared cause around Endometriosis. The goal is to raise awareness about endometriosis, spark a national conversation around the condition, and call for greater support and resources for individuals and families affected by it. The awareness initiative saw more than ~100 participants from various patient groups.

Endometriosis is a common, chronic, gynaecological condition, which affects over 247 million women globally and 42 million women in India¹. It is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus². Women with endometriosis suffer from chronic pelvic pain, fatigue, depression, and infertility.  Diagnosis of the condition is often delayed by 6-10 years, significantly reducing a woman’s overall quality of life.

The EndoRun started from North Gate, Phoenix City Mall and was graced by Mr. Sathya Natarajan, Volunteer, Adar Poonawalla- Clean City Initiative and Mr. Surendra Babusaheb Pathare, Founder and President, Surendra Pathare Foundation along with distinguished doctors and other patient support groups rendering support by offering expert guidance on endometriosis.

Dr. Ratna Devi, Director Patient Academy for Innovation and Research, said, “Raising awareness is crucial to address the issue of delayed diagnosis and treatment for women experiencing severe symptoms and excruciating pain. Unfortunately, their voices often go unheard or are dismissed as women’s health takes a backseat in many households. It is imperative to advocate for improved early detection and treatment options. Creating a safe and supportive environment where women can openly discuss their experiences and provide mutual support is an urgent necessity.”

“Endometriosis is a condition that affects millions of women worldwide. With our deep-rooted expertise in women’s health, we are committed to improving the awareness on endometriosis. We are delighted to partner with PAIR and provide support to initiatives that will contribute to help women access better healthcare solutions. Information and communication among patients, and patient’s groups is essential to fast-track the endometriosis diagnosis. At Bayer, our goal is to improve the health outcomes of women through research and development and by introducing new treatment options for diseases including Endometriosis.” says Mr. Deepak Chopra, Business Unit Head, Women’s Health, Bayer Zydus Pharma.

A coffee table book which is a collection of patient stories aimed at empowering patients to take the right steps to connect with gynaecologists that features their journey and diagnosis was also launched . The book will equip women to understand the condition through the perspectives of these women. The event also featured interactive sessions like Zumba, which aim to promote a healthy lifestyle among women.

For more information on endometriosis, please visit

http://womenwithwings.pairacademy.org/

https://www.bayer.com/en/pharma/endometriosis

Forward-Looking Statements

This release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Bayer management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in Bayer’s public reports which are available on the Bayer website at www.Bayer.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

References:

1. Gajbhiye RK. Endometriosis and inflammatory immune responses: Indian experience. Am J Reprod Immunol. 2023 Feb;89(2):e13590. doi: 10.1111/aji.13590. Epub 2022 Jul 1. PMID: 35751585
2. Tsamantioti ES, Mahdy H. Endometriosis. [Updated 2022 Sep 6].
3. Gao. Et al.Economic burden of endometriosis. Fertility and Sterility Vol. 86, No. 6, December 2006